“That sounds like a you problem.”
“It is,” I agree, my grin widening. “Which means I get to make it everyone else’s problem.”
She exhales slowly through her nose, like she’s forcing something down.
“Move,” she says. “Before I decide you’re worth the paperwork.”
I hold her gaze for a moment longer, then give a lazy half-salute and step back.
“See you around, Lieutenant,” I say, letting her rank roll off my tongue just enough to make it sound like I’m enjoying it.
“Stay on your side of the fence,” she replies, her voice tight.
“No promises.”
I turn before she can respond, feeling her stare burn into my back for a second longer than necessary.
I don’t look back.
I don’t need to.
—
“Vardo.”
I glance sideways as my commanding officer approaches, his boots kicking up small puffs of dust with each step.
“You lasted all of five minutes,” he says, stopping beside me, his tone flat with expectation.
“Closer to four,” I reply, glancing back toward the fence. “You’re being generous.”
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
“Didn’t take it as one.”
He folds his arms, studying me. “What did I tell you?”
“Don’t get reported,” I say.
“And what do you think that was?”
I shrug slightly, claws tapping once against my gauntlet. “Conversation.”
“You call that de-escalation?”
“No,” I admit, glancing back at him. “But it wasn’t escalation either.”
His eyes narrow.
“You’re walking a line.”
“I like lines.”
“That’s not funny.”
“It wasn’t a joke.”
He watches me for another moment, then exhales sharply through his nose.
